US enjoys Cup atmosphere without safety fears, war worries

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

HAMBURG (AFP) — With US football players having heard cheers of "Osama, Osama" in Mexico and toured around the world while American troops fight in Iraq, tight security at the World Cup is both routine and reassuring.

A protective force featuring US State Department support surrounds the Americans at the 32-nation football tournament, the team having based itself here to enjoy the Cup atmosphere after spending past Cups in isolated areas.

"Traveling to practice, you see people waving to us, giving us thumbs up, giving us the (middle) finger - hey, at least they're doing something," said US defender Clint Dempsey.

The US team bus is the only one at the World Cup not bearing a team flag.

"Security has been normal," Dempsey said. "The only time you know...